Upcycle Decoupage Container For A Quick Fun Project

How many of you have cabinets full of plastic containers that originally held sour cream or whipped topping?  Or maybe a tub of butter or margarine? Wouldn’t you love to upcycle used containers?  You can! Stick with me for Upcycle Decoupage Container tutorial.

Growing up in the south on a farm, we didn’t throw things away if we felt they could still be useful.  Most of these plastic containers were still great for storing other items.  

I know many times I’ve reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a tub of butter only to find that it contained last night’s leftover green beans.  DIY storage containers, anyone?

Mom still puts leftovers in these containers and sends them home with me and my brothers and sisters!

And it goes against the grain to just throw these items away.  

But I only have so much space for storing these items, so I look for ways to reuse them.  I try to upcycle them as often as possible.  

Upcycle Decoupage Containers vs. Recycle Containers

Sure I could (and sometimes I do) recycle them at our local recycling center. Unfortunately, recycling means using resources to break down the item and then creating a new item from it.

Upcycling, on the other hand, means changing the item or repurposing it to meet another need.  The item doesn’t have to be broken down first.  

In this easy project, I upcycle plastic containers and a cookie tin.  I do this by ‘beautifying’ them.

What’s great about this project is that it doesn’t take much time.  If I have several containers, I can pretty them up fairly quickly.  

What else is great about this project is that it is perfect for children!  In fact, this project is one that I remember completing when I was a kid.  I think the first time I did this may have been at Vacation Bible School!

And a bonus – you probably have all the supplies you need to complete this project already.

Watch how to upcycle tin and plastic containers with decoupage below:

Growing up in the ’70s, I would read my mom’s magazines.  You know Women’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens.  Sometimes these magazines would have DIY and craft projects inside.  

One technique that was popular then was decoupage.  Today’s project is basically decoupage.  Decoupage is using glue or some type of adhesive to stick pieces of paper to some type of base – plastic, wood, or metal.

Materials and supplies for Upcycle Decoupage Containers

For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links which means I may make a commission, but it won’t cost you any more.

• Plastic or tin containers (e.g., sour cream, whipped topping), cleaned
• Glue or Mod Podge (affiliate link)
• Paintbrush (affiliate link)or sponge
• Assorted patterned papers (e.g., scrapbook papers, wrapping paper)(affiliate link)
• Ruler
• Scissors or rotary cutter (affiliate link)
• Instructions (see my Maker Library for a PDF)

Project Steps

Make sure that your containers for the upcycle decoupage container project are clean and dry.  Measure the height of each container.  Papers must be cut to fit the height of the container.  You may need to cut several strips to go all the way around the container.

After cutting the paper to fit, add glue or Mod Podge either to the back of the paper or to the container and then apply the paper to the outside of the container.  

Note:  What’s the difference between using glue or Mod Podge?  Either works well for decoupaging the paper to the container.  However, Mod Podge provides a better seal.  It will also give your finished project a shinier finish.  If you glue, you could always seal with a glossy finish.  If you want to make your own Mod Podge, here are four ways to mix it up.

Once you have covered the entire outside of the container.  Add a coat of glue or Mod Podge to the outside of the paper.  This will seal the paper and provide some protection.

If your container is bigger at the top than the bottom, you may need to cut slits in the bottom part to prevent wrinkling and puckering of the paper.  I cut 1 inch slits about every 2-3 inch around my large sour cream container.

You can also cut the strip into smaller pieces.  This prevents puckering when applied to the container.  If you choose this method, then apply the glue or Mod Podge directly to the container rather than the paper.

Finished Upcycled Decoupage Containers

I utilized my larger containers as small flower pots for some of my smaller plants.  I add raffia or sheet moss to finish the look.  These containers add another dimension to my flower arrangements.

For my upcycled tin container, I am using it to store some of my markers.  Sure, I could have stored them in the container before “beautifying” it, but it is so much nicer after adding the scrapbooking paper!

Remember these basic steps to create an upcycle decoupage container:

• Measure the container and cut paper to fit.
• Add glue or Mod Podge to the back of the paper or to the container.
• Position the paper on the container.
• Add a layer of glue or Mod Podge to the front side of the paper to seal it.

I hope you enjoy this simple and quick project.  I would love to see some of the upcycle decoupage containers that you create.  You can find my step-by-step instructions in my Maker Library.  

If you enjoy paper crafts, see my handmade card project and these easy layered paper flowers project.  Instructions and patterns are in my Maker Library.  Join now – it’s free!